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CDC: Flu season starts early, could be bad

Flu season in the U.S. is off to its earliest start in nearly a decade - and it could be a bad one.

Health officials on Monday said suspected flu cases have jumped in five Southern states, and the primary strain circulating tends to make people sicker than other types. It is particularly hard on the elderly.

"It looks like it's shaping up to be a bad flu season, but only time will tell," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The good news is that the nation seems fairly well prepared, Frieden said. More than a third of Americans have been vaccinated, and the vaccine formulated for this year is well-matched to the strains of the virus seen so far, CDC officials said.

Higher-than-normal reports of flu have come in from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. An uptick like this usually doesn't happen until after Christmas. Flu-related hospitalizations are also rising earlier than usual, and there have already been two deaths in children.

It's not clear why the flu is showing up so early.

The last time a conventional flu season started this early was the winter of 2003-04, which proved to be one of the most lethal seasons in the past 35 years, with more than 48,000 deaths. The dominant type of flu back then was the same one seen this year.

One key difference between then and now: In 2003-04, the vaccine was poorly matched to the predominant flu strain. Also, there's more vaccine now, and vaccination rates have risen for the general public and for key groups such as pregnant women and health care workers.

An estimated 112 million Americans have been vaccinated so far, the CDC said. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months or older.

On average, about 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC.

Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.

A strain of swine flu that hit in 2009 caused a wave of cases in the spring and then again in the early fall. But that was considered a unique type of flu, distinct from the conventional strains that circulate every year.

8 most common flu myths

8 most common flu myths

Think you know everything you need to know about the flu? See if you’ve been fooled by these eight common myths about the flu, according to U.S. News and World Reports.

Myth: The flu is just a bad cold.

Reality: The flu is much more dangerous than the common cold, carrying the danger of secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia.

Myth: A flu shot is your only defense against getting the flu.

Reality: Washing your hands, keeping your distance from someone else who is sick, getting enough sleep and taking care of yourself will help keep you well.

Myth: You only need a flu shot if you’re in a high-risk category.

Reality: The federal government recommends everyone older than 6 months get a flu shot, but it’s especially important for young kids, the elderly and anyone with a weak immune system.

Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu.

Reality: You may get a headache or low fever after a flu shot, but it’s not going to make you sick. If you do get a full-blown illness after getting a vaccine, it’s probably because viruses are already going around and you won’t be fully immune until you’ve had the shot for two weeks.

Myth: Flu shots hurt.

Reality: Try a nasal spray or intradermal vaccine if you don’t like longer needles.

Myth: Expect to vomit with the flu.

Reality: Influenza doesn’t induce stomach pain or vomiting. What’s usually referred to as the stomach flu is actually a different virus.

Myth: Antibiotics will help you recover from the flu.

Reality: The flu is a virus; antibiotics only help with bacterial infections. Try an antiviral like Tamiflu within the first two days of catching the virus instead.